The Chokwe ethnic group is one of the largest ethnic groups in Angola, as well as being present in significant numbers in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, and Namibia. Here are the top 10 famous people from the Chokwe ethnic group:
- Jeremias Chitunda: He was an Angolan politician and founding member of the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA). Chitunda played a key role in negotiations for Angola’s independence in 1975.
- Samakuva IsaÃas: IsaÃas Samakuva is an Angolan politician and the former leader of UNITA. He served as the leader of the opposition in the Angolan National Assembly from 2002 to 2019.
- Chama Cha Wakombozi Chetu: He is a well-known musician from the Democratic Republic of Congo. His music combines traditional Chokwe rhythms with modern elements, making him popular both locally and internationally.
- José Eduardo dos Santos: He served as the President of Angola from 1979 to 2017. Dos Santos played a crucial role in the nation’s transition from civil war to peace and stability, and he significantly contributed to Angola’s economic growth.
- Candela Vaz: Candela Vaz is an Angolan model who gained international recognition after winning the Elite Model Look Angola competition in 2010. Since then, she has worked with renowned fashion brands and appeared in various high-profile magazines.
- Shika Santos: Shika Santos is an Angolan basketball player who currently plays for Sport Lisboa e Benfica in Portugal. He has represented Angola in multiple international basketball competitions and is known for his exceptional skills and athleticism.
- Cristóvão Neto: Cristóvão Neto is an Angolan artist renowned for his sculptures and paintings that depict Chokwe culture and traditions. His intricate artwork has been exhibited in galleries and museums worldwide.
- Naky Gaglo: Naky Gaglo is a prominent Chokwe writer from the Democratic Republic of Congo. He has written numerous novels, short stories, and plays that explore the social and political issues faced by the Chokwe people.
- Balthazar Mwaska Sabot: Balthazar Mwaska Sabot is widely recognized as a defender of human rights in Angola. He has been at the forefront of advocating for indigenous and minority rights, especially for the Chokwe people.
- Cainion Nkulongola: Cainion Nkulongola is a well-known Chokwe poet and storyteller from Zambia. He has been instrumental in preserving and promoting Chokwe oral traditions through his performances and recordings.
Most Famous Chokwe Celebrities
The Chokwe people are an ethnic group found in several countries in southern Africa, including Angola, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Known for their rich cultural heritage, the Chokwe have produced many famous individuals across various fields. Here are some notable celebrities with Chokwe roots:
- Samora Machel: Known as the founding president of Mozambique, Samora Machel was born to a Chokwe family in what is now Mozambique. He played a crucial role in leading the country to independence from Portuguese colonial rule.
- Feliciano dos Santos: A renowned Angolan artist, Feliciano dos Santos is known for his paintings that depict the rich cultural heritage and history of the Chokwe people. His works have been exhibited globally and are highly regarded in the art community.
- Wynton Marsalis: An acclaimed American trumpeter, composer, and jazz musician, Wynton Marsalis has Chokwe ancestry through his father’s side. He is regarded as one of the most influential figures in contemporary jazz, and his contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including Pulitzer Prizes and Grammy Awards.
- Yvonne Chaka Chaka: Known as the “Princess of Africa,” Yvonne Chaka Chaka is a South African singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur of Chokwe descent. She has released multiple hit songs throughout her career and is regarded as one of the most influential musicians in South Africa.
- John Kani: A highly esteemed South African actor and playwright, John Kani has Chokwe roots through his father’s side. He is renowned for his powerful performances both on stage and screen, and his contributions to the development of South African theater are widely recognized.
These celebrities with Chokwe roots have not only achieved great success in their respective fields but have also contributed to the preservation and promotion of Chokwe culture and heritage.
Ethnic Factsheet: The Chokwe People
| Country | Population | Region |
|---|---|---|
| Angola | 1,300,000 | Lunda Sul, Lunda Norte, Malanje |
| Democratic Republic of Congo | 2,500,000 | Kasai, Kasaï-Central, Kwango, Kwilu, Mai-Ndombe, Kasaï-Oriental |
| Zambia | 230,000 | Northwestern, Western, Lusaka, Copperbelt |
| Republic of Congo | 70,000 | Mékambo, Ogooué-Ivindo, Haut-Ogooué, Ogooué-Lolo, Nyanga |
| Namibia | 45,000 | Caprivi, Kavango East, Kavango West |
| Tanzania | 20,000 | Mtwara, Ruvuma |
| Botswana | 15,000 | Ngamiland, Central, Kweneng |
Chokwe Ethnicity: References and Resources
To learn more about the Chokwe ethnic group, you can refer to the following references:
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Chokwe people
- Every Culture: Chokwe
- British Museum: Chokwe Art and Culture
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Chokwe people, Angola and Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Cambridge University Press: History of the Chokwe
We have reached the end of our exploration into the extraordinary lives of prominent Chokwe. We hope this journey has been enlightening and inspiring.
